When You Speak Words You Don’t Truly Understand, You Are Not Truly Acting

By Webmaster

  • When You Speak Words You Don’t Truly Understand, You Are Not Truly Acting

    So, pull out your dictionary or get busy on Wikipedia and find out the answer!

    (by Jim Webb)


    (Photo: Eliot Reyna/Unsplash)

    When you speak words you don’t truly understand, you are not truly acting.

    Sometimes a dictionary, encyclopedia, and, yes, Google, can be invaluable tools in the actor’s life. That’s because, often, an actor can receive sides or a script that has items that the average person can’t possibly understand. I mean, what language was Shakespeare speaking, anyway?

  • Ok, Shakespeare is complicated, due to the age of the material. But there are many other ways that the text of the script can be complicated. It’s typical to come across words, phrases, references and language you don’t understand.

    Some examples include:

    • Unfamiliar words
    • Old or rarely used words
    • Regional dialect
    • Slang terms
    • Unfamiliar adages
    • Unfamiliar stories and references
    • Historical events

    These are some examples of items that can be included in the text that the actor may not truly understand, at first. But the thing is: the actor must understand them. The actor must always understand exactly what their character is saying in order to bring truth to the role.

  • Research, research, research

    Without taking the time to research and analyze what the character means when he or she tells an old story, uses a “big” word, makes a historical reference or uses a region-based quip, the actor is merely speaking words. And only an amateur actor “speaks words”.

    A true actor takes the time to understand their character’s backstory, given circumstances, objectives, and so forth. And while doing extensive research on the character, the actor learns what the character is saying and why the character is saying it, in each sentence of dialogue.

    So, when you find yourself asking, “what does my character mean when they say this word?” or, “who are they referring to when they make that historical reference?” Or, “where does that funny story my character tells originate from?”, pull out your dictionary or get busy on Wikipedia and find out the answer.


  • You Might Also Like:
    Sanford Meisner: “Acting is Living Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances”


     

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Should I Put SAG Eligible on My Acting Resume?

    Should I Put SAG Eligible on My Resume? What SAG eligibility means and how listing it affects your acting career (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Anna Shvets | Pexels) What Does “SAG Eligible” Mean?…

    Where do you look during an audition?

    Where do you look during an audition? Mastering Eye Contact and Focus to Elevate Your Audition (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Karolina Grabowska | Pexels) The Power of Eye Contact: Creating Connection When you’re…

    How do you impress an acting audition?

    How do you impress an acting audition? Tips and Techniques for Standing Out in the Audition Room (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Moose Photos | Pexels) Preparation: The Key to a Successful Audition Before…

    How long should a self-tape audition be?

    How long should a self-tape audition be? Understanding the Ideal Length for Capturing a Casting Director’s Attention (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: George Milton | Pexels) Why Length Matters in Self-Tape Auditions The length…

    How Early Should You Be for an Audition?

    How Early Should You Be for an Audition? Timing Can Make or Break Your First Impression in the Casting Room (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Why Timing Matters in the World…

  • Ad

  • Does a Callback Mean I Got the Role?

    Does a Callback Mean I Got the Role? Understanding the Callback Process in Auditions and What It Really Means (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) The Excitement and Uncertainty of a Callback…

    How do actors get noticed?

    How do actors get noticed? A behind-the-scenes look at how aspiring performers break into the spotlight (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Patrick Fore | Unsplash) Building a Strong Foundation Through Training Many actors start…

    How Long After an Audition Will I Hear Back?

    How Long After an Audition Will I Hear Back? Understanding the Waiting Game in the Entertainment Industry (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Teja J | Pexels) The Truth About Post-Audition Timelines After pouring your…

  • Ad

  • How to Deal with Not Getting a Callback?

    How to Deal with Not Getting a Callback? Emotional Resilience for Actors: Understanding Rejection and Moving Forward (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Acknowledge Your Feelings Rejection is tough, especially in…

    How to stand out at a callback?

    How to stand out at a callback? Mastering the Callback: Tips, Strategies, and Insider Advice to Book the Role (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Understand What a Callback Really Means Getting…

    What to Wear for Callbacks?

    What to Wear for Callbacks? Dressing for Success: How Your Outfit Can Impact Your Callback Audition (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Liza Summer | Pexels) The Importance of Dressing Appropriately for Callbacks When preparing…

    Should I Follow Up After a Callback Audition?

    Should I Follow Up After a Callback Audition? Navigating Post-Callback Etiquette: When to Reach Out and When to Move On (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Jopwell | Pexels) The Callback Conundrum: To Follow Up…

    How to Ace a Callback Audition?

    How to Ace a Callback Audition? Mastering the second round: tips, tricks, and real actor experiences to win the role (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Understanding the Importance of a Callback…

  • Ad

  • What does it mean if you don’t get a callback after an audition?

    What does it mean if you don’t get a callback after an audition? Understanding the silence after the spotlight fades (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrew Neel | Pexels) The Callback: A Common Misunderstanding…

    What Acting School Do Most Actors Go To?

    What Acting School Do Most Actors Go To? The top acting schools that many actors choose to attend (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: What Percentage of Actors Go…

    How Do You Find Actors from Commercials?

    How Do You Find Actors from Commercials? Tracking them down isn’t as hard as it might seem (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: The 3 Main Types of Commercials…

  • Ad

  • Should I Wear Glasses in My Self-Tape Audition?

    Should I Wear Glasses in My Self-Tape Audition? Several factors should be considered to ensure that your glasses support your character (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: Should You…

    How Do You Take a Good Acting Headshot?

    How Do You Take a Good Acting Headshot? A Guide for Aspiring Actors (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cody Iannom | Unsplash) A headshot is your calling card as an actor, and casting directors…

    Do Actors Still Need Printed Headshots?

    Question: Do Actors Still Need Printed Headshots? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Marcelo Chagas | Pexels) Do actors still need printed headshots? While much of the industry has shifted towards digital submissions, printed headshots…

    Do Actors Smile in Headshots?

    Question: Do Actors Smile in Headshots? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Tarzine Jackson | Pexels) Headshots are an essential tool for actors. They’re often the first impression you make on casting directors, agents, and…

    How to Get a Demo Reel for Acting?

    How to Get a Demo Reel for Acting? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a demo reel for acting (By Javier Guerra) A demo reel is one of the most important…

  • Ad